Electric control system



Nov. 12, 1935. A. s. FITZ GERALD ELECTRIC CONTROL SYSTEM Filed Jul 27, 1935 3 Sheets-Sheet l F/GJ.

FIG. 4.

INVENTOR Nov. 12, 1935. A. s. FITZ GERALD 2,021,099

ELECTRIC CONTROL SYSTEM Filed July 27, 1933 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR alum Nov. 12, 1935, A. s. FITZ GERALD ELECTRIC CONTROL 'SYSTEM Filed July 27, 1933 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 $011,404,000 BE CIRCUIT JRIAKER CLOJl/VG Call-S /05, 20B, 30B, 40B, MAY

55 TRIP ca/Ls INVENTOR tained substantially Patented Nov. 12, 1935 PATENT OFFICE ELECTRIC CONTROL SYSTEM Alan S. Fitz Gerald, Wynnewood. Pa.

Application July 27, 1933, Serial "N...

In Great Britain December 2,1932 16 Claims. (Cl. 17'l353) This invention relates to electric control systems, and more particularly to remote signalling and supervisory systems.

The invention furnishes consecutive control action for actuating a number of individual electrical devices or circuits. Its action is analogous, in the electrical art, to the action of a multi-cylinder engine cam shaft, in mechanics. Whensuch a cam shaft is uniformly rotated each valve is operated and retracted consecutively.

In my novel electrical system, a variation in the ratio of two electric currents is the electrical analogy of the rotation of the cam shaft. The individual electrical devices correspond to the valves. Thus, if the current ratio be uniformly varied from one extreme to the other, each of the controlled devices will, consecutively, and one at a time, be first-energized and then deenergized.

The invention is applicable to many forms of electrical signalling and control purposes which may utilize selective systems of the type disclosed such as, for example, elevator floor signals, remote supervisory systems, telemetering, teleprinting, multiple unit railroad motor control systems, transformer tap changing switch control, and many such other purposes as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

My invention is operated by causing a variation between the relative magnitudes of two or more electric currents. Both currents may be variable, inversely or in opposite sense; or one current may be varied and the second current be mainconstant.

My invention may be controlled from a distance by transmitting two relatively variable direct currents, two alternating cin'rents, or one direct current and one alternating current. The control principle, in the latter instance, resides in the ratio between the magnitude of the direct current and that of the alternating current. An advantage of this latter arrangement is that both efiects can be transmitted simultaneously over a a novel selective 'or single circuit.

In order to control a number of electrical devices or circuits, in accordance with such current ratios, I employ a novel arrangement of saturating reactors.

It is, therefore, an object of my invention to provide a means of controlling a plurality of load devices, consecutively or selectively, in accordance with variation in the ratio of two or more electrical effects; or, if one efiect be maintained constant, in accordance With the variation in gether with further the magnitude of a single electrical quantity. It is a further object of my invention to provide a control system, of the type specified, in which both of the electrical effects, constituting the controlling ratio, may be transmitted over a 5 single circuit.

It is yet a further object of my invention to provide a system of the time specified which may be operated; at transmitting and receiving stations, from independent sources having no synchronous or any other relation, and which is substantially unaffected by reasonable variations in either voltage or frequency of such sources.

It is a further object of my invention to provide a simple and reliable system, furnishing a precise and accurate selective effect, which is independent of any moving elements or time relations. My invention requires neither rotating synchronous apparatus n'or code impulse selective devices.

These and other novel features which I behave to be characteristic of my invention will be set forth with particularity in the appended claims. My invention itself, however, both as to its organization and method of operation, to-

objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood with reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of my invention for controlling four circuits over a three-wire channel by means of inversely variable direct currents;

Fig. 2 is a ditic view of a modification of the embodiment of my invention shown in Fig. 1, by means of which the same control effect can be carried out by transmitting relative- 1y variable direct and alternating currents over a two-wire channel;

Fig. 3 is a modification of my invention, by means of which double the number of circuits may be controlled by-reversing the polarity of the direct current.

Figure 4 is adiagrammatic view showing a modified method of connecting of my invention shown in Fig. 1;

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view showing an arrangement for uniformly varying 'two ratio currents for controlling the apparatus of my invention, and;

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view of an internal detail of a portion of the apparatus shown in Figure 3.

In Fig. l, I show a selector circuit l, arranged in accordance with my invention, energized from 55 n: view of a. further 4 the embodiment ings I3, 23, 33, 43 and an alternating current source 2, and adapted to control tour loads, I0, 20, 44, 44.

In order to describe and explain the principle 01 my invention, the load circuits i4, 24, 44, 44 may be considered to be signal lamps, as indicated in Fig. 1. However, I wish it to be clearly understood that these may consist of the operating circuits oi contactors, circuit breakers, etc., or may be electric motors or other power consuming devices.

While I have shown only four controlled load circuits, in order to describe and explain the operation of my invention in a simple manner, and to avoid complexity in the drawings, I wish it also to be clearly understood that my invention is capable of controlling much greater numbers The maximum number 0! control cirvarious factors, such as whether the system is to be operated continuously or intermittently, and upon the design of the apparatus used. At least twenty such load circuits can readily be controlled in the manner described, and the maximum number possible is substantially greater than twenty. My receiving selector circuit I has terminals 4 and 4 for connection to the source 2 and, in addition, terminals ll, 2|, 4| and 4|, to which one terminal each of the load circuits I4, 20, '44, 44 is connected, the remaining terminals being commonly connected to one terminal of the source 2. The circuit i includes a plurality of saturable reactors i2, 22, 32, 42, having reactance windsaturating windings i4, 24, 34, 44. The reactance windings of these reactors are connected in series with the load circuits i0, 20, an, 40, as shown in the drawings. The saturating windings I4, 24, 44, 44 are energized with direct current from rectiilers I5, 24, 44, 45. The circuit i also includes further saturable reactors I6, 24, 44, 44, having reactance windings i1, 21, 31, 41 and having each two saturating windings i8, i9, 28, 29, 38, 49 and 44, 44. The tour reactance windings i1, 21, 41, 41 are connected in series to terminals 4 and 4. These reactance windings are thus energized with alternating current from the source 2. In parallel with each of the reactance windings i1, 21, 41, 41 01' the reactors i6, 24, 34, 44, I connect the alternating or input sides of the rectiflers I4, 24, 44, 44. Each of these rectifier: is accordingly energized with alternating current in accordance with the alternating voltage drop across the reactance winding of one of the aforesaid saturating reactors.

. The saturating windings oi the reactors I4, 24, 4t, 46 are divided into two groups, each forming a complete series circuit. Thus, i4, 24, 44 and 48 are connected in series to terminals 4 and 4. saturating windings i4, 24, 44, 44 are connected to terminals land 4.

The saturating windings i4, 24, 44, 44 and I4, 29, 39, 44, respectively, are connected in opposition. Thus, referring, for example, to the saturating reactor i4, the net saturating eiiect will be the diiierence between the direct current excitation set up in the winding i4 and that set up in the winding 14. The same relation holds good for the reactors 24, 44, 44.

The ratio between the numbers of turns of the two opposing saturating windings on each oi! the saturating reactors i4, 24, 44, 44 is dissimilar for each ofthese four reactors. This diflerence is an important feature of my invention.

The circuit comprising the saturating windings i4, 28, 38, 44 is energized by applying direct current excitation to terminals 4 and 4. Likewise, the circuit which includes i4, 24, 44, 44 is energized by applying direct current excitation, preierably derived from the same source, to terminals 1 and 4. The circuit l is selectively controlled by varying the relative magnitudes of the direct current excitation applied respectively to 5. 6 a l- The ratio between these two direct currents may be varied in a number of diiierent ways, according to the purpose to which my invention is applied. For example, tive control system to be actuated at the transmitting station by manual or mechanical control, I prefer to cause these two direct currents to vary in opposite sense or inversely. Ii, on the other hand, my invention be used ior the purpose oi furnishing a controlling effect in accordance with 'a variation in the magnitude of a single variant such as, ior example, an electric current or voltage, then I preier to vary oneoi the direct currents and to maintain the other current substantially constant. By the term substantially constant", I mean that the second current is intended to vary only in accordance withthevoltageoi thesourceiromwhichitis derived.

Let it be supposed, by way of example, thatthe circuit I be controlled by varying inversely the i1itbeutilizedasaselec-.

direct currents applied respectively to 4, 4 and I,

4. It this method of variation be employed, the sum of the number of turns of the two saturating windings on each oi the reactors i4, 24, 44, 44

m ybe thesa'meineachcase. Thatistosay, the turns of 18 plus 19; 28 plus 29; 38 plus.39. or 48 plus 49, may all be equal; but, the ratio of these turns will be dissimilar.

Let it be assumed, for example, that the total turns included in the two windings 101' each reactor be 1000 turns. According to this assump tion, for 4-circuit control, the winding l4 will have 200 turns and the winding i4, 800 turns; 24 will have 400 and 24 will have 600; 44 will have 600 and 44 will have 400; 44 will have 800 and 44 will have 200. The ratios of these turns are governed by the iollowing simple relation. 11 there are "11. load circuits to be controlled, the ratio oi the turns on the first reactor corresponding to i4, in Fig. 1, will be ior the first winding, and

n+ l for the second winding, 0! the total turns. Bimilarly, the second reactor will bedivided in the ratio of I 2 n-l n+1 n+1 Other intervening ratios will be in accordance with the above principle. The last or nth reactor will be divided in the ratio oi and there will be resultant saturating ampere turns.

It having been postulated that the turn ratio is different in the case of each reactor II, 2I, II and II, it follows that it the current ratio be set so that the above condition is set up in the case of one oi the reactors, the some current ratio cannot set up this condition for any other reactor. The current ratio can only be adjusted so as to cause one reactor at a time to be unsaturated. All the remaining reactors will be subiected to saturating ampere turns.

Due to the turn ratio being made diil'erent tor each of the reactors II, 2I, II, II, each reactor, in order to give rise to equal and opposite excitation, will require a difierent current ratio. Thus, a specific current ratio, which will cause aero saturation, is associated with each reactor.

My circuit I is so arranged that an unsaturated condition or any one of the reactors II, N, II or a II causes illumination of the corresponding signal I lamp II, N, II or II.

Thisresult is achieved by the method 01' connectIon shown in Pig. 1 and previously described. The reactance windings II, II," and II 01' the reactors II', 2I, II, II are all connected in series acrossthesource2. Thus, tberewillbea-potential drop across each reactance winding commensurate with the eilective value of the impedance thereof. It allot the reactances are unsaturated, or it all of them should be saturated to an equal extent, the drop across each of the windings I1, 21,", 41 would be equal. This condition, however, occurs'only when the apparatus is not actuated by a control signal and the circuits connected to I, I and], I, are not energized with direct currents.

When the'circuit I is controlled by the tworatio currents, due to the special turn ratios employed, inthe manner above described, all of the reactors exceptone are saturated. Thus, the efiective Impedance 01' the reactance windings oi the saturated reactors is low, but the impedance of the one winding situated on the reactor which receives, due to reciprocal coincidence between the turn ratio and the current ratio, zero saturating ampere turns. is much greater.

It, thereiore, follows that the potential gradient along the series circuit, including the windings II, 21, II, I, under thiscondition, is nonuniform. A substantial portion of the voltage of the source 2 appears acrou the unsaturated reactor. A negligible voltage drop exists across the remaining reactors.

The rectifiers II, 25, II, II, being connected in parallel with each of the windings II,*2I, Il, I1, will be energized in accordance with the above voltage drops. Thus, when the current ratios are set so that one of the reactors II, 2I, II, II is unsaturated, the corresponding rectlfier II. II, II or II will be energized in accordance with the increased voltage drop across the" reactance winding. The remaining rectifiers will be energized in a correspondingly less degree.

Each rectifier II, H, II, II supplies saturating current to the saturating reactors I2, '22, I2, I2"

which control the energisation or the lamps II,

2I, II, 40. Thus, due to the action oi the rectiduced'by means oi my invention with or more fiers is, H, as, u the the reactors is, u, u, u, the lamps are selectively controlled by the ratio "of the currents applied to the terminals I, I and I, I. When the ratio is adiusted so that one o! the reactors .II, a, II or u is unsaturated, the c corresponding lamp is illuminated at full brilliance. All of the other lamps are energized to an insufilcient extent to cause any visible eil'ect.

The control eilect can be exerted inll several ditierent. ways. For example, ii they two currents be uniformly varied from one extreme to the other, first, the lamp "will come up to full brilliance; II will then go out and 2I will be illuminated; 20 will likewise black outgas II comes up, which latter, in turn, will go out as II II reaches full intensity 0! illumination. While only four lamps are shown in the drawings for the reasons stated, this same ei'lect can be prolamps.

. Q0 The above consecutive control action, it will readilybe perceived, rresponds exactly to the I cam-shaft analogy cited in the preamble.

This consecutive type of control is most useful in connection with automatic regulating and con- II trol systemsii For example, by means oi my invention, the taps on a transformer may consecutivelybe changed in accordance with the increase oi a load current. V On the other hand, for many other control pur- I0 poses specific selective control is pre!erable. For this P p instead of causing the ratio to'vary through the operating range, means may be providedior setting the current ratios, in the are. 0! Fig. l, to any one 0! 'tourspecific ratios corre; II sponding to the values which energize the lamps II, 20, II, to full intensity.

. I show in Fig. l a simple and eilective arrangement for this purpose, the terminals I, I and I, I

oi the selector circuit I being energized through 40 I conductors II, I2 and II. It will be noted that conductors II and I2 energize the saturating circult which is connected to terminals I and 6. Likewise, the circuit connected to terminals 1 and s is energized through I: and u, n being com-- is mon to both circuits.

At the transmitting station I provide an arrangement energized Ironi a direct current source I for supplyin to the three conductors II, I2, II relatively variable direct current voltages. Thus, II is connected to the positive terminal of the source I, II is connected to the negative terminal, and I2 is arranged, by means of switches III, 2", III, III to be connected to one or a number of taps provided upon a resistor II con- 5 nected across the source I.

In Fig. 1 a portion oi the conductors II, I2, II is shownin broken lines to signify that the transmitting station may be at a distance from the selector station I.

Where tour load circuits are to be' controlled, the resistor II is provided with five sections of equal resistance so as to provide tour uniformly spaced tape. as shown, to which the switches III, 2III, III, III are connected. Y

Itwill be apparent that with this arrangement, various voltages can be applied to theconductors Ii, I2, II at will. For example, if it be supposed that the source I is volts, D, C.-, and that switch III be closed, it is apparent that 70. there will be 80 volts between II and I2, and 20 volts between I2 and I2. I! the switch III be closed and III be open, there will be IOvolI's between Ii and I2 and 40 bolts between I! and II. With switch III closed, and the other 75 atio o! the 10 g will between. 52 and 53 will be 80. The

voltage between conductors 5| and 53, however, remains unchanged.

The positions of the taps on the resistance 54 may be adjusted in relation to the resistances of lines 52, 55 and the saturating windings is, 28, 35, 45 and I9, 25, 39, 48 so that precisely the desired current ratios are provided. When switch 55 is closed, the current flowing at terminals 5, 5 should be four times that flowing at 1, 8. With the switches 255, 555 and 455, respectively, closed the corresponding ratios should be 1.5, 0.67 and 0.25.

The closing of switch 155 will then produce currents in I5 and H in reciprocal relation to the ratio between the turns of II and I5, and accordingly the reactor l5 will be unsaturated under this condition, 22, 35 and 45 being saturated. Thus, the lamp i5 will be illuminated by closing switch I55. In like manner, the closing of switches 255, 355 or 455 wii selectively light up 35, :5 or 55.

While I have shown in Fig. i one specific methcd of connection, by way 0.! example, many obvious modifications and elaborations, falling within the scope of my invention, may be employed. For example, if it be desired to control my receiving circuit by means of one variable current and one constant current, terminals 5 and 5 may be connected through conductors 5| and 55 across the source 9, so as to receive a constant current; and terminals 1 and 8 may be connected so as to receive a variable current by connecting 1 through the common conductor 5| to the source 5 and connecting terminal 5 to the tap switches. This method of connection is illustrated in Figure 4. With this arrangement, the turns on the windings I5, 25, 55, 45, which carry the constant current, may be difierent for each reactor I5, 25, 35, 45 and the turns on the windings I5, 25, 55, 45, which carry the variable current, may be of the same number for each of the four reactors referred to.

In the event that it is desired to control the load circuits, i5, 25, 55, 45, consecutively in accordance with some uniformly varying effect such as for instance, the mechanical displacement of a portion some machine, a variable electrical quantity, or the like, the variable resistor 54 may be provided with a sliding contact instead of tap switches 55, 255, 555, 455, means being provided for actuating the sliding contact in accordance with the variable effect. Such an arrangement is illustrated in Figure 5.

While I have shown in Fig. 1 only a single rectiller energized by the voltage across the reactance windings i1, 21, 51, 41, and a single reactor controlling the load circuits I5, 25, 35, 45, in order to describe and explain, without unnecessary complicatlon, the principles on which my present inventicn operates, I wish it to be clearly understood that, without departing irom the spirit of my invention, I may utilize two or more such rectifier-reactor combinations, forming a multistage magnetic ampliiying arrangement, in lieu of the single stage shown. By so doing, I may control loads I5, 25, 55, 45, of increased magnitude, or may control these loads with smaller values of the controlling or ratio currents, so that the amount of power which must be conveyed over the channel connecting the transmitting and plifying circuits in my co-pending application for 5 Magnetic amplifiers," filed in the United States Patent Ofllce on June 21, 1933 and bearing Serial No. 676,785; and it is to be understood that the arrangements disclosed in the cited application may be used with advantage in carrying into 10 effect my present invention.

In Fig. 2, I show a modification of my invention adapted to control similar terminal or receiving equipment over a connecting channel consisting of two wires instead of three. 15

In Fig. 2, I show a selector circuit l which may be identical with that shown in Pig. 1. I have, therefore, in Fig. 2, omitted the internal connections oi the circuit I showing only terminals 5, 4, 5, 5,1, 5 and II, 2|, 5|, 4|, all as described 2 in reference to Fig. 1.

The selector circuit l is energized from the source 2 and is adapted to control load circuits I5, 25, 55, 45 in the manner herelnbefore described.

At the transmitting station I provide switches I55, 255, 555, 455 and a tap resistor 54 exactly as shown in Fig. 1. However, in Fig. 2, the resistor 54 is energized across an alternating source 55, instead of a direct current source, as was shown in Fig. l. 3

Instead of connecting the tap switches directly to the connecting conductors, in Fig. 2 I show a pair of transformers 55 and 555 having primary windings 55 and 555 and secondary windings 51 and 515. The tapped resistor 54 and tap switches I55, 255, 555, 455 are connected to the primary windings 55 and 555, so that the two transformera 55 and 555 are each individually energized in accordance with the voltage ratio determined by the position of the tap switches. Thus, one extremity of the resistor 54 is connected to primary winding 55, and the other extremity of the resistor is connected to primary winding 555. A common connection from the primary windings is made to the contacts of the tap switches I55. 255, 555, 455. as shown in the drawings. Thus, if the source 55 be supposed to be 150 volts A. C., and if the switch I55 be closed and the remaining switches left open, volts will be impressed upon winding 55 and 20 volts across winding 555. Other corresponding ratios-will be furnished if 255, 555 or 455 be closed instead of I55, substantially as described in reference to Fig. 1. Only two outgoing conductors 55 and 55 are provided from the transmitting station. These are energized jointly by transformers 55 and 555 in the following manner. A rectifier 55 is energized from the secondary winding 51 of transformer 55 and rectified current is furnished by this rectifier through a reactor 5| to the conductors 55 and 55. The secondary winding 515 of transformer 555 is likewise connected to the conductors 55 and 55 through a condenser 52. It will be apparent that the condenser 52 precludes the flow of rectified current from 55 in winding 515, and that the reactor 5| inhibits flow of any alternating current energy from 515 in the rectifier 55.

It is, therefore, apparent that, in accordance with this arrangement, there is impressed upon conductors 55 and 55 a direct current voltage and an alternating current voltage, the ratio of 5b! former to the latter being adjustable in accordance with the operation of tap switches I55, 255 555 or 455.

Referring now to the selector circuit I, it will be observed that conductors II and II are directlyconnectedtotermlnalslandofthcselector circuit I. On referring to Fig. 1, it will be noted that between terminals I and there are connected the saturating windings l|, 2|, 8| and These windings, being wound to receive direct current, present a high impedance to alternating current; and the alternating current voltage, applied to conductors N and emanating from the transformer I, does not cause any appreciable flow of alternating current in the circuit connected to terminals I and 6.

At the receiving station, a further rectifier 63 is energised in series with the condenser across the conductors and Due to the condenser it is apparent that no direct current from and 5| can flow in 6|, but that the alternating current energy transmitted by N and Ill, being conducted by the condenser ll, energizes the rectifier Rectiiled output from is connected to terminals 1 and of the selector circuit.

on referring to Fig. i, it will be noted that saturating windings 1|, 8|, 4| are connected to terminals I and Accordingly, l|, 2|, 3|, 4|

are energized in accordance with the output of Since is energized exclusively by the alternating current component of the mixed D. C. and A. C. energy, transmitted by l| and 5|, saturating windings i|, 2|, 3|, 4| are energised proportionately in accordance with the alternating current component. It has already been pointed out that the saturating windings ll, 2|, 3|, II are energized in accordance with the direct current component transmitted by 5| and On referring again to the transmitting station, it will be apparent that the direct current component of the energy delivered to the conductors BI and II is derived through rectifier from transformer Likewise, the alternating current component is derived from transformer |l|.

saturating windings 2|, and 4| are, therefore, energized, through the two conductors and with direct current proportionately to the alternating current applied to transformer II; and saturating windings i|, 2|, II and 4| are energised with direct current proportionately to the alternating current applied to transformer "0. Thus, the position of the taps on N may be located so that, when switch I is closed, 2||, Ill and 4 being open, the direct current excitation applied respectively to H, 2|, 4| and l|, 2|, 3|, II will be in the ratio of 4 to 1. Thus, the conditions applied to the receiving equipment l,inl"lg.2,willbeexactlythesame as would result in Fig. l by the closing of switch I". Thus, the lamp II is illuminated, and 2|, II and II are not. In a similar manner, either 2|, 3| or may be lit by closing switches I", 8" or I. It will be apparent-to those skilled in the art that a plurality of equipments, substantially as shown in Pig. 2, may be employed if it is desired to control a very large number of circuits. It will further be obvious to those skilled in the art that conductor may constitute a common conductor for all such additional apparatus. Thus, for each additional set of apparatus, as shown in Fig. 2, one conductor only in addition is necessary.

In Fig. 8, I show a further modification of my invention adapted especially for the purpose of remote or supervisory control, such as is used on large inter-connected power systems.

mitting station, while I In general, the principal function of such a supervisory system is to control circuit breakers. For each circuit breaker so controlled, it will be necessary to perform a closing operation and an opening operation.

The modification of my invention, which I show in Fig. 3, is adapted to furnish closing and tripping functions for any given number of circuit breakers so'controlled without doubling the amount of apparatus co prised by my selector w circuit i.

In Fig. 3, I show a selector circuit i which may be identical with that shown in Figs. 1 and 2, adapted to control 4 circuit breakers. It is, of course, to be understood that a much greater number than four can be controlled by means of my invention. s

In Fig. 3, I show the alternating current source 2,asinl"igs.land2,connectedtotermlnals| and l of the receiving circuit I. In place of the load circuits or signal lamps i|, 2|, 3|, 4|, shown in Figs. 1 and 2, I show in Fig. 3, connected to the terminals II, II, Ii, ll of the selector circuit i, pairs of coils MA, MB, A, "B, "A, B, A, B. These coils are intended to represent the operating windings of the closing and tripping relays or contactors associated with the four circuit breakers. The circuit breakers, however, are not shown in the drawings. Thus, "A, A, A, A represent the 20B, "B, B the tripp ng cells.

As shown in the drawings, one extremity of the closing and tripping coil of each circuit breaker is connected together, respectively, to the terminals Ii, 2!, ll of myreceiving circuit I. The opposite extremities of all of the closing coils are connected to a common conductor A and, in like manner, the other extremities of the tripping coils are connected to a common conductor "B.

Referring now to the apparatus at the transv may employ appa atus identical with that shown in Fig. 2, I show, in Pig. 3, an alternative method of controlling the outgoing signal which, in some instances, has, certain advantages in practice.

In control systems, which are required to give extremely reliable service under adverse operating conditions, it is desirable to reduce to a minimum the number of contacts and like devices which, should they become dirty or corroded, may be a source of imperfect functioning.

Thus, in Fig. 3, I show the rectifier reactor N and condenser all as shown in Fig. 2, and performing identical functions.

In place of the tapped resistor I4, tap switches, and the transformers ii and I show, in Fig. 3, an alternative method of energizing the rectiiler and the conductors II, II, with two alternating voltages of which the relative magni- 6o tude may be controlled, comprising a variable output electrical device which may consist of an electro-magnetic structure having relatively rotatable primary and secondary windings.

As shown in the drawings, the device has a pair of terminals |I, energized from the source The terminals |l may internally be'connected to a single-phase stator winding of the type employed in well-known forms of singlephase induction regulator. The device has two further pairsof terminals and Terminals and may, internally, be connected, respectively, to two single-phase rotor windings similar to the movable windings provided in induction regulators, as illustrated in Figure 6..

closing coils, and IIB,

'The'windingconnectedtollmaybedispm forexample, 90 electrical degrees in relation to the whichisconnectedtoll; Bucha device, when energised-with a fixed alternating currentvoltage applied through terminals 81 to the stator winding, will provide two secondary alternating current voltages appearing, respecll, which voltages may be varied inversely by rotating the shaft ll, operatively related-to the rotor of the device ll. For example, when the shaft II is turned so that the windings connected to ll and ll are coaxial, maximum voltage will appear at ll. Under this condition, the winding connected to ll would be with the windin connected to ll no voltage will appearacross terminals ll. -Inlikemanner, if theshaft Ilbe nowrotatedthroughll' soastobringthewindings connected to U and ll into coaxial relation, maximum voltage will appear at -ll and sero voltage at ll. If the shaft ll be turned half way betweenthe two above cited positions, equal voltages will appear at terminals ll and ll. In like manner, any desired ratio between these two voltages may be obtained by proportionately positioning the rotor by means of the shaft ll.

In view ofthe connection of the rectifier ll,

the transformers It and lil were provided in Fig. -2 in order to secure electrical discontinuity or isolation between the alternating voltages applied to the rectifier ll and, through condenser ll, to the conductors ll and ll. It will be noted in Pig. 3 that the windings connected to ll and ll, while these are electrically related, should not be metallically connected together. Mounted upon the shaft ll is a lever arm Ii moving over a segmental plate 12, provided with means for locating or looking the position of the rotor of the device ll at four positions, ili, 2li,ll| and ill, respectively. These positions are determined so that when the rotor of ll is located, respectively, at positions ill, lli, lll or lli, the ratio of the voltages appearing at te El and ll corresponds exactly with the voltages applied, in Fig. 2, to windings ll and ill when switches ill, Zll, lll or ill are closed.

In other words, same function as the resistor ll, tap switches ill, Ill, Ill, lll and transformers ll and ill. However, device 68 has no contacts or exposed electrical connections.

The novel feature residing in the modification of my invention, which I show in Pig. '3, consists in the provision of -a reversing switch II by means of which the connections to the conductors Ill and El may be reversed.

The switch ll has con 'ts HA and 14B connecting with conductor ll and contacts 18A and 1513 connected to conductor ll, as shown in the drawings.

It will be apparent that operationof the reversing switch ll reverses the polarity of the direct current applied to the conductors ll and ll. It has, of course, no significant effect in respect of the. alternating. current likewise applied to conductors ll and ll through the condenser.

'lheobiectcdthereversingswitch'llistosccure selective closing or t ping action in respect 'ofanyspecificcircuitbreakerwhichml-ibeselectedinaecordancewiththepositionatwhich the device ll is'set. For example; as'indicated by the legend on the drawings, when the switch 13 is placed upon contacts designated by the the switch 13.

-Asshowninthe if, for example, device ,thecurrentappearingatterminalsllwillbefour niillxathepolarityotconductorsllandllia suchastofurnishaclosing action.

When the switch is placed on contacts designated by the sufiix B, the reversed polarity is adapted to furnish a trippi action to the circuit breaker so selected.

This eilect is accomplished at the selector circuit I in the following manner:

Rectifier ll and condenser l4 are connected in relationtotheterminalslandlandtheconduclo torsllandll,preciselyaashownin1"ig.2, and fulfilling identical functions.

It will be apparent, in considering the operation of my invention, that the relative polarity of the excitation applied to the two groups of windis in'gs ll, ll, ll, ll and ll, ll, ll, ll, respectively. since these windings must always set up opposing magnetizing effects, should remain unchan ed. The action of the reversing switch ll manifestly has no effect upon the rectified energy'applied zo totcrrninals'iandl. Thepolarityofthisexcitation obviously remains fixed in accordance with the output connections of the rectifier ll. The

polarityof the direct current energy delivered by conductors ll and ll is reversible in accordance with the position of the reversing switch ll. This reversing of polarity, however, must not be applied toterminalslandlforthereasonexplained' above. Thus, in Fig. 3, I show an additional rectifier ll having its output connected to terminal: l and l and energised through reactor lil by the conductors ll and ll. The function of the reactor lil is to preclude energiaation of" by the alternating voltage existing in conductors ll and Itwillbenotedthattherectifierllisnoten- The function of the rectifier ll'is to provide unof direct current excitation to terminals l and l, irrespective of the position of 5 In order to detect and utilise,for control purposes, at the receiving end, reversal of the polarity of the direct current signal, I include in two arms of the rectifier ll relays 11A and 113, having windings "A and "B and contacts "A and 193. On referring to the diagram, it will be apparent that when the switch 13 is in position A, the action of the rectifier ll is such that direct'current'fiows in winding "A and no current flows in winding "13. Thus, relay IIA picks up u and closes its contacts 19A. If the switch 18 be placed in the tripping position B",-the effect of the rectifier ll is such that direct current flows in the coil "3 and the relay 11B picks up and closes its contacts "8.

Selective action of relays IIA and "B is thus furnished in accordance v with the position of switch 133 without interfering with the selective action of the circuit i.

drawings; when relay 11A is picked up, conductor "A, which is connected to all of the closing coils, is energized through con- 'tactlla. Whenswitchllisreversedandrelay 11B is picked up, the conductor 13, to which all of the trip coils are connected. is energized 7 through contact IlB. 'Ihus, it will be clear that ll be set at position Ill,

timesasgreatasthat'appearingatterminalstl, whichwillcauseeithertheclosingcoii illlorthe' inrespects ll, if desired. However, it will be with equal facility, be utilized for the above. the cost of the reactors 0i, "land the condensers t! and u will be less.

Althoush. in Fig. 3, in order to describe and explain the principles of operation of my invention in a simple manner, the relays "A and "B have been diagrammatically depicted by a conventional symbol, I wish it to be understood that myinvention is not to be restricted to any specific device for this purpose, and I may use any device conformable to the purpose for which my inventionis to be utilized. For example, if it be considered an advantage to completely eliminate from the system all contacts and movim parts, I may employ. for performingithe function oi the devices "A, "8, further saturating reactors, or saturat-- ing reactors and rectifiers in combination. as described in my aforesaid copending application. It willbe apparent to those skilled in the art that although I have shown, by way of example.

an embodiment of my invention for controlling remotely located apparatus, my invention may, purpose of transmitting signals indicating a position or condition of distant apparatus. Thus, it is immaterial whether the switches III, "I, III, I, be considered to be manually operated switches in a load dispatcher's ofiice for controlling remote work-devices In. is, up. or whether th switches I, 200, Ill, 0, be automatically operated by remote work devices, and II, 20,-, ll. be signal devices situated in a dispatcher's oilice for indicating some remote condition, such as water 'level' or the like. Although I have chosen a particularembodiment of my invention for the purpose of explana;,.; tion, many modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilledin the art to which it pertains.

' My invention, therefore, is not to'be limited e:- cept insofar as is necessitated by the prior art and the spirit of the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent oi the United States is: g

I. In a selective control system, an alternating current supply circuit, a plurality of saturabie core devices having each an alternating current winding, means for connecting all. of said alternating current windings in series to said supply circuit, a plurality oi load circuits, means for energizing each of said load circuits in accordance with the voltage across one of said alternating current windings, and means for applying efiective saturating excitation selectively-to all of said saturablei core devices except a pre-determined one selectively to control the energisation of said load circuits in accordance with saturating excitation.

2. In a selective control system, an alternating current supply circuit, a plurality of s'aturable core devices having each an alternating current winding,=uneans for connecting all of said alterhating current windings in series to said supply' said selective circuit, a plurality otload circuits, means ior energizing each of said load circuits in accordance with the voltage across one-oi said alternating current windings, means for providing a plurality of variable direct currents. and means for sub- Jecting, diiierently,'each of said saturabie core 5 devices to a saturating eil'ect derived jointly from said direct currents whereby a pre-determined relation between the magnitudes of said currents causes one of said satin-able core devices to be substantially unsaturated so as to cause an ini0 crease in the energization of one of said load circuits due to, said unsaturated condition.

3. In aselective conirol system, an alternating current supply ciQcult, a plurality ofsaturable coreldevices having eachan alternating current is means iorconnecting all of said alternating current windings. in series to said supply circuit, a plurality of load circuits, means for energizing each of said load circuits in accordance with the voltage across one of said alternat- :0

- circuits-one at altime, may be subjected to substantially increased energization not .more than ones! said load eiacuitsf being so subjected at the same time.

. 8') 4. In a selective control system, a plurality of s'sturabie core devices, each of said devices having an alternating current win-ding a first direct current saturating winding and a second direct current saturating winding. said second saturating 85 winding opposing the saturating effect of said first saturating winding, the ratio betweenthe turns of said first and second windings being diiferent in each of said saturable core devices, means fq connecting all of said first saturating 4o windings together to form a first direct current saturating circuit and means for connecting all of said second saturating windings together to form a second direct current saturating circuit, means for energizing said first saturating circuit and 5 said second saturating circuit, respectively, with saturating currents having a predetermined relative magnitude so as to cause all of said saturable core devices except one to be saturated, an altrrnating current-simply circuit, a plurality of load 50 circuits, means for energizing said load circuits from said supply circuits, andmeans for controlling the energization of each of .said load circuits inversely in accordance .with the degree of saturation of one or said saturable core devices so 5 as to cause the load circuit which is associated with the saturable core device which is unsaturated tobe'energized to a substantially greater extent than the remaining load circuits.

5. In a selective control system, an alternating so current supply circuit, .a plurality of saturable core devices, each of said devices having an alternating currentwinding a first direct current saturating winding and a second direct current saturating'winding, said second saturating wind- 5 ing opposing the saturating efiect of said first saturating win the ratio between the eii'ective turns of said. t and said second saturatingwindings being diiferent in each of said saturable core devices, means for energizing all of said al- 7 ternating current windings from said alternating cm nt supply circuit, a plurality of load circuits. means for controlling the energization of each of said load circuits inversely in accordance with the impedance of one of said alternating em-- .7

bywhen the ratio between 25 ternating with the impedance rent windings whereby the energization of each of said load circuits is caused to be decreased when one of said saturable core devices is subjected to efiective saturating excitation and is increased when said saturable core device is unsaturated, together wtih means for providing a plurality of direct currents, means for energizing all oi said first saturating windings in accordance with one or said direct currents and means ior energizing all of said second saturating windings in accordance with another said direct currents, together with means (or varying a relation between said direct currents so as selectively to control the energization of said load circuits in accordance with said relation.

6. In a selective control system, an alternating current supply circuit, a plurality oi! saturable core devices, each at said devices having an alternating current winding a first direct current saturating windir". and a second direct current saturating winding, said second saturating winding opposing the saturating eflect of said first saturating winding, the ratio between the efiective turns of said first and said second saturating windings being diflerent in each of said saturable core devices, means said alternating current windings from said alternating current suppy circuit, a plurality of load circuits, means for controlling the energization 0! each of said load, circuits inversely in accordance with the impedance 0! one 0! said alternating current windings whereby the energization of each of said load circuits is caused to be decreased when one of said saturable core devices is subjected to efiective saturating excitation and is increased when said saturable core device is unsaturated, together with means for providing a plurality of direct currents, means for energizing all of said first saturating windings in accordance with one 0! said direct currents and means for energizing all oi said second seturating windings in accordance with another of said direct currents, together with means for varying a relation between said direct currents so as to cause said load circuits to be consecutively controlled.

7. In a selective control system, an alternating current supply circuit, a plurality of saturable core devices, each of said devices having an alternating current winding a first direct current and a second direct current saturating winding. said second saturating winding opposing the saturating efiect of said first saturating winding, the ratio between the elective turns of said first and said second saturating windings being difierent in each or said saturable core devices, means ior energizing all of said alcurrent windings from said alternating current supply circuit, a plurality of load circuits, means for controlling the energization of each of said load circuits inversely in accordance 0! one of said alternating current windings whereby the energization of each 0! said lead circuitsis caused to be decreased when one of said saturable core devices is subiected to efiective saturating excitation and is increased when said saturable core device is unsaturated, together with a circuit subject to electrical variations, means for deriving from said circuit a plurality of direct currents relatively variable in accordance .with said variations, means for energizing all 0! said first saturating windings in accordance with one of said direct currents and means for energizing all 01 said second saturating windings in accordance with to said saturable core another 0! said direct currents selectively to control the energization oi said load circuits in accordance wtih the electrical variations of said circuit.

8. In a selective control system, an alternating current supply circuit, a saturable core device having an alternating current winding a first direct current saturating winding and a second direct current saturating winding, means for energizing said alternating current winding from said supply circuit in -series with means ior maintaining the current drawn (rum said source at an approximately constant value irrespective of the impedance of said alternating current winding, a load circuit, means tor energizing said load circuit in accordance with the voltage across said alternating current winding, means for providing a plurality of direct currents, means for energizing said first direct current winding by one 0! said currents and means for energizing said second direct current winding by another of said currents, and means for simultaneously varying the magnitudes of said currents in opposite sense whereby the energization of said load circuit is increased when said direct currents are varied in a pre-determined manner.

9. In a selective control system, means for producing two variable alternating currents, a plurality of rectifying means for deriving two direct currents from said variable alternating currents, a plurality o! saturable core devices, a two conductor circuit connecting said first mentioned means with said saturable core devices, a plurality of load circuits, means tor controlling the energization of each 0! said load circuits in accordance with the degree 01 saturation of one 0! said saturable core devices, and means common devices for selectively applying eflective saturation to a pre-determined number 01 said saturable core devices in accordance with the ratio between the magnitudes oi said two direct currents, one oi said rectifying means being located at one end or said circuit and another or said rectifying means being located at the other end, whereby the controlling currents for said system may be transmitted over said two conductor circuit.

10. In a selective control system, means ior producing two direct currents, means for varying the relative magnitude 0! said direct currents, means for reversing the polarity of one of said direct currents, a pluralityoi saturable core devices, a plurality of load circuits, means connecting said load, circuits to said saturable core devices iorcontrolling the energization of each cl said load circuits in accordance with the degree of saturation or one 0! said saturable core devices, and means common to said saturable core devices for selectively applying efiective saturation to a pre-determined number at said saturable core devices in accordance with the ratio between the magnitudes 0! said two direct currents selectively to control the energization of said load circuits, unilaterally conducting means energized by said reversible direct current for exciting a circuit associated with said saturable core devices with direct current of unchanging polarity, and means responsive to said reversible polarity for controlling the connection of said load circuits to said saturable core devices in accordance therewith.

ll. In combination, an alternating current supply circuit, a plurality of saturable core device having each an alternating current winding, l first direct current saturating winding and I 2,021,090 second direct currentsaturating winding, a d

' circuit, means connecting all of said second saturating windings together to form a second direct current saturating circuit, a plurality of rectiflers, means connecting each of said rectifiers in parallel with one of said alternating current windings, a further plurality of saturable core devices having each an alternating current winding and a direct current saturating winding,

means whereby each oi said last mentioned saturating windings is energized with unidirectional current derived from one of said rectifiers, a

plurality of load circuits, means connecting each or said load circuits to said alternating current supply circuit in series with one of said last mentioned alternating current windings, together with a source of direct current, means for energizing said first and second direct current saturating circuits therefrom, and means for varying the ratio between the magnitudes of the currents flowing in said first and said second direct current saturating circuits.

12. In combination, an alternating current supply circuit, a plurality of saturable core devices having each an alternating current winding, a first direct current saturating winding and a second direct current saturating winding, said second saturating winding opposing theasaturating eiIect oi said first saturating winding, means connecting all of said alternating current windings in series to said alternating current supply circuit, the ratio between the turns of said first and second saturating windings being different in each of said saturable core devices, means connecting all of said first saturating windings together to form a first direct current saturating circuit, means connecting all of said second saturating windings together to form a second direct current saturating circuit, a plurality o! rectifiers, means connecting each of said rectifiers in parallel with one of said alternating current windings, a further plurality oi saturable core devices having each an alternating current winding and a direct current saturating winding, means whereby each of said last mentioned saturating windings is energized with uni-directional current derived from one of said rectifiers, a plurality 0! load circuits, means connecting each of said load circuits to said alternating current supply circuit in series with one of said last mentioned alternating current windings, together with a second alternating current supply circuit, a two conductor transmission circuit, means including a capacitor for energizing one extremity of said transmission circuit with alternating current from said second supply circuit, means energized by said second supply circuit and including a transformer, a rectifier, and a reactor for supplying direct current to said extremity of said transmission circuit, means for varying the relative venerg ization of said transmission circuit with alternating current and direct current respectively, meansconnecting said firstsaturating circuit to the other extremity of said transmission circuit to receive direct current therefrom, and means including a capacitor and a rectifier connected to receive alternating current from said transmission circuit for energizing said second saturating circuit with direct current in accordance withthe alternating current energization of said transmission circuit.

13. In combination, an alternating current supply circuit, a plurality of saturable core devices having each an alternating current winding, a first direct current saturating winding and a second direct current saturating winding, said second saturating winding opposing the saturating efiect of said first saturating winding,

means connecting all of said alternating current windings in series to said alternating current supply circuit, the ratio between the turns of said first and second saturating windings being difi'erent in each of said saturable core devices,

means connecting all of said first saturating windings together to form a first direct current saturating circuit, means connecting all of said second saturating windings together to form a second direct currentsaturating circuit, a plurality of rectifiers,'means connecting each of said rectifiers in parallel with one of said alternating current windings, a further plurality of saturable core devices having each an alternating current winding and a direct current saturating winding, means whereby each of said last mentioned saturating windings is energized with unidirectional current derived from one of said rectifiers, a plurality of load circuits, a first relay,'a second relay, means whereby when said first relay is operated certain of said load circuits are severally connected in series with one 01 said last mentioned alternating current windings to said supply circuit, means whereby when said second relay is operated other of load'circuits are connected in like manner, together with a transmission circuit with alternating current from said second supply circuit, means energized Y second alternating current supply circuit, a two i by said second supply circuit and includinga transformer a rectifier and a reactor for supplying direct current to said extremity of said transmission circuit, means for varying the relative energization of said transmission circuit, with alternating current and direct current respectively, means for reversing the polarity oi the direct current supplied to said transmission circuit, means including said first relay and said second relay and a plurality 01 uni-laterally conducting devices for connecting said first saturating circuit to the other extremity of said transmission circuit whereby said first saturating circuit receives direct current of unchanging polarity from said transmission circuit and whereby said direct current flows in said first relay when said transmission circuit is energized with one polarity and said direct current fiows in said second relay when'said transmission circuit is energized with direct current of the opposite polarity, and means, including a capacitor and'a rectifier, connected to receive alternating current from said other extremity of said transmission circuit for energizing said second saturating circuit with direct current in accordance with the alternating current energization of said transmission circuit.

14. A selective control. system comprising, an alternating current supply circuit, a plurality oi saturable core devices having each an alternating current winding, a first direct current saturating winding and a second direct current saturating winding, said second saturating winding opposing the saturating effect of said first saturating winding, means connecting all of said alternating current windings in series to said alternating current supply circuit, the ratio between the turns of said first and second saturating windings being different in each of said saturable core devices, means connecting all of said first saturating windings together to form a first direct current saturating circuit, means connecting all of said second saturating windings together to form a second direct current saturating circuit, a plurality of load circuits, means for energizing each of said load circuits in accordance with the voltage across one of said alternating current windings, together with a source of direct current, means for energizing said first and said second direct current saturating circuits therefrom, and means for varying the ratio between the magnitudes of the direct currents flowing in said first and said second direct current saturating circuits.

15. A selective control system comprising, an alternating current supply circuit, a plurality of saturable core devices having each an alternating current winding, a first direct current saturating winding and a second direct current saturating winding, said second saturating winding opposing the saturating effect of said first saturating winding, means connecting all of said alternating current windings in series to said alternating current supply circuit, the ratio between the turns of said first and second saturating windings being different each of said saturable core devices, connecting all of said first saturating windings together to form a first direct current saturating circuit, means connecting all of said second saturating windings together to form a second d rect current saturating circuit, a plurality of iced circuits, means for energizing each or circuits in accordance with the volt-= age across one of said alternating current wlndings, together with a second alternating current supply circuit, a direct current supply circuit, means for varying the relative energization of said supply circuits, a two conductor circuit, means connecting said circuit to said last mentioned supply circuits for transmitting energy possessing both direct and alternating components the relation between the magnitudes of said components being in accordance with the energization of said alternating current and direct current circuits, means for separating said load alternating and direct current components, fur ther rectifying means for rectifying said aitcrnating current component, means fa; encrgizing one of said direct current saturating circuits with direct current from said last mentioned rectifying means, and means for energizing another of said direct current saturating circuits in accordance with said direct current component.

16. A selective control system comprising receiving apparatus consisting of an alternating supply circuit, a plurality of saturable core devices having each an alternating current winding, a first direct current saturating winding and a second direct current saturating winding, said second saturating winding opposing the saturating effect of said first saturating winding, means connecting all of said alternating current windings in series to said alternating current supply circuit, the ratio between the turns of said first and second saturating windings being different I in each of said saturable core devices, means connesting all of said first saturating windings together to form a first direct current saturating circuit, means connecting all of said second urating windings together to form a second direct g current saturating circuit, a plurality of load circuits, means for energizing each of said load circuits in accordance with the voltage across one of said alternating current windings, together with transmitting apparatus consisting of, a sec- 0nd alternating current supply circuit, a direct current supply circuit, means for varying the relative energization of said alternating current and direct current circuits, a two conductor circult, means connecting said circuit to said last mentioned supply circuits for transmitting said variable alternating and direct current energy to said receiving apparatus, means for predetermining the polarity of said direct current, rectitying means associated with said receiving apparatus furnishing rectified current proportional to said alternating current energy, means for energizing one of said direct current saturating circuits from said rectifying means, uni-laterally conducting means for uni-directionally energizing another of said direct current saturating circuits by said transmitted direct current energy, together with further means, responsive to reversal of direct current polarity, for additionally controlling the energlzation of said load circuits, and means for energizing said further means with said transmitted direct current.

ALAN S. FITZ GER: 

